Ah, but are they getting anchovies on their pizza?
This summer, Pope Francis is treating dozens of homeless people to a day at the beach and dinner in a local pizzeria on the way back.
The Vatican Almoner, or the Pope’s almsgiver, Polish archbishop Konrad Krajewski, told La Stampa daily that, with the help of the Swiss Guards, Apb. Krajewski drives a van with 10 people to a beach near Rome for a dip in the sea, sunbathing and then pizza.
Go here to read the rest. PopeWatch likes the personal touch. It is easy to say that someone else, usually the government, should help the homeless, but it is much harder to do so yourself. The Pope, to his credit, has a heartfelt concern for the homeless. That is good of course, because the Pope’s view on economics, if followed by governments, would doubtless make more of them! Snark aside, PopeWatch has no doubt that regarding the homeless the Pope’s heart is very much in the right place. Alas, PopeWatch wishes that he could make the same claim in regard to the Pope’s brain.
. It’s the Archbishop who is doing the hard part. The smell in that van prior to reaching the beach must be…well…ISIS like in body odor pungency. And let’s not forget the family trying to eat their sandwiches on the beach downwind from these ten. They too may be saints of this excursion. Are these homeless ten peeing in the Mediterranean as they backstroke for 200 meters? Then there are more unsung saints out there in the water with them. The Pope…he gave the order but he’s back at the hotel having lasagna and pinot noir and writing an encyclical on keeping the oceans clean as he cranks up the ac. He uses the word ” accompany” often but it sounds like Archbishop Krajewski is doing the hardcore accompanying as that van leaves for the beach in the hot Rome morning.
“The Vatican Almoner, or the Pope’s almsgiver…”
In France, « L’aumônier » or almoner is the term used for a hospital or prison chaplain.
Nursing staff will never ask a patient his religion – a great breach of laïcité – but, instead will ask if one would like a visit from M. l’aumônier.
Agree. There are some good things about this Pope. Few, but some. Let us be thankful and follow his good example.